Case
Sustainable Implementation in Practice with VDK Groep
From pilot programs to scalable solutions that reduce waste, optimize transport, and lower environmental impact.
Opdrachtgever: VDK Groep
Opdracht: Sustainability solutions
- Academy
This is VDK Groep
With over 150 successful companies, VDK Groep is a leader in installation technology. Together, all companies stand for growth, innovation, collaboration, and enjoyment. These values are reflected within the companies and as a whole. Although VDK Groep is an umbrella organization, each individual company continues to operate as its own strength, but with the extra strength of a group in the background.
At VDK Groep, sustainability is central to what they do. Based on the belief that economic growth can go hand in hand with caring for the world around us, VDK Groep encourages forward-looking initiatives. Whether it’s developing new technologies, making projects more sustainable, or minimising the ecological footprint, they take their responsibility seriously and actively contribute to a more sustainable future.
Working together with Circular Plastics Academy
At the start of the VDK Groep project with the Circular Plastics Academy, sustainability was still a new topic within the organization. Since then, an ESG director has also joined, which strengthened and expanded the work possibilities.
To better understand sustainability within all the different organizations within VDK Groep, we started with two companies: E.T.B. Cas Sombroek and Frimex. These are two completely different companies within the group, allowing us to paint a broad picture. At each company, we began by assessing how they viewed sustainability, identifying the low-hanging fruit, and identifying the strategic future prospects from an economic and ecological perspective.
Based on research, we developed various initiatives, culminating in an initial pilot project at each company. At Frimex, we worked towards reusable cart sleeves. And at E.T.B. Cas Sombroek, we worked towards reducing deliveries to the construction site, from 5 to 2 days a week.
Meanwhile, the new ESG manager had already settled in. He has established an internal future team where enthusiastic employees from several companies are given the opportunity to actively contribute to the further development of sustainable initiatives. Together with the pilot projects and the work of the Circular Plastics Academy, a menu of various initiatives has been created that all VDK Groep companies can participate in.
For VDK, we are responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of several sustainability initiatives across different companies. Together, we translate ambition into practical solutions that reduce waste, optimize logistics, and structurally lower environmental impact.
Menu - From Pilot to Sustainable Implementation
Tue - Thu deliveries
At ETB Cas Sombroek in Volendam, we introduced a pilot focused on Tue–Thu deliveries. By restructuring deliveries to fixed days (Tuesday and Thursday), we create:
- Fewer transport movements
- Better consolidation of goods flows
- Lower CO₂ emissions
- More predictable planning and site efficiency
The pilot is currently running successfully internally and will soon be implemented at an active construction project in Amsterdam. This marks an important step toward smarter and more sustainable construction logistics.
Sleeves for Frimex
In collaboration with Frimex and EcoWrap Solutions, we launched a pilot using custom-made cart sleeves.
These reusable covers replace traditional stretch film and contribute directly to:
- Significant reduction in plastic use
- Lower on-site waste volumes
- More professional and efficient logistics handling
Several sleeves are currently in circulation as part of the pilot. Early results demonstrate that this solution is a scalable and practical alternative to single-use packaging materials.
Waste Scans
Through our Waste Scan, we support companies in developing a practical and effective waste policy. Based on the insights, we deliver a concrete action plan aimed at:
- Reducing total waste volumes
- Improving waste separation
- Lowering costs
- Making sustainability goals measurable and achievable
The Waste Scan turns sustainability ambitions into clear, actionable improvements on the work floor.
At The Green Village in Delft
Sustainability Day
On this day, we facilitated interactive workshops centered around key sustainability themes in construction, including waste reduction, circular materials, logistics optimization, and responsible procurement.
The event was attended by VDK companies as well as strategic suppliers, creating a valuable environment for knowledge sharing and cross-chain collaboration. By connecting partners across the value chain, the Sustainability Day strengthened alignment, accelerated innovation, and translated sustainability ambitions into concrete next steps.
Would you like to find out more about our Circular Plastics Alliance?
If you have any questions, want to make a comment or find our more. please contact us.
See how HB RTS and the Circular Plastics Alliance close the loop with the sustainable FECT-box.
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